“In All Circumstances, Be Thankful!”

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“In all circumstances, be thankful! This comes as a surprise when one considers the vicissitudes of human life. Sickness and health, poverty and wealth, joy and sorrow are all ingredients of the cup placed to human lips, so all must come within the scope of thanksgiving. Why be thankful for everything? Because God causes everything to work together for good to those who love Him.”

“A godly farmer was asked to dine with a well-known gentleman. While there, he asked a blessing at the table as he was accustomed to do at home. His host said jeeringly, ‘That is old fashioned; it is not customary nowadays for well-educated people to pray before they eat.’ The farmer answered that with him it was customary, but that some of those on his farm never thanked God for their food. ‘Ah, then,’ said the gentleman, ‘they are sensible and enlightened! Who are they?’”

“‘My pigs!’ the farmer answered.”

By Thomas Watson, “Be Thankful in all Circumstances,”Grace Gems <pilgrim@gracegems.org>